Route 422 construction to begin in October

LOWER PROVIDENCE ó The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will begin construction in October to improve the U.S. Route 422/ Trooper Road, interchange between Lower Providence and West Norriton.

The improvement will come in the form of two new ramps and making infrastructure enhancements. PennDOTís contractor, J.D. Eckman, Inc. of Chester County, will build an off-ramp from eastbound Route 422 to Route 363 (Trooper Road) and an on-ramp from Trooper Road to westbound Route 422. The two additional ramps will complete the interchange and allow drivers to make moves in all directions when traveling between the stat highways.

Crews also will realign the existing Trooper Road on-ramp to Route 422 east; build a retaining wall and sound wall along the new eastbound Route 422 off-ramp; repair the existing Route 422 west off-ramp to Trooper Road; build a retaining wall along the new on-ramp to Route 422 west; widen (Trooper Road) through the Audubon Road intersection; rehabilitate Trooper Road bridge over Route 422; widen Audubon Road to include an additional turn and merge lane from Route 363 Trooper Road; build a sidewalk on Trooper Road; and install new traffic signals and curb ramps.

Two travel lanes will be maintained in each direction on Route 422 through the interchange during construction, with possible lane closures during off-peak hours. Lane closures will occur on Trooper Road during construction and the project includes a weekend-long closure of the westbound Route 422 off-ramp to Trooper Road and a six-day closure of Audubon Road.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $16.8 million and it is expected to be finished fall of 2015. Lower Providence Township is asking anyone with questions to go to www.422improvements.com.